Nielsen asks players to step on the ground with free mind

Adelaide, Feb 18 (IANS) The uncertainty over the Pakistan tour and the issues related to Indian Premier League (IPL) are natural to hover in the minds of Australian cricketers, but they will have to leave them behind while stepping on the ground and focus on their immediate task of wining the tri-series, coach Tim Nielsen said. Nielsen said the team would have wanted to have some “certainty” regarding these two matters but since things are not in their hand, the players cannot allow the issues to affect their performances.

“The IPL is a big one because there’s been a few clashes of ideas from a cricketers association point of view and Cricket Australia (CA) and even the IPL. It will be nice to have some certainty, a bit the same with Pakistan tour. But until the decision-makers get all the information they can, we have to live with what’s going on and make sure we perform,” Nielsen said.

Australia’s tour to Pakistan is in danger of being called off due to the political unrest there, while there are some national cricketers who are yet to sign the IPL long-form contract after CA gave the green signal following a settlement with the cash-rich Twenty20 League organisers over sponsorships.

“There’s no doubt those things are going to have an impact on players. It is the same as anyone goes to work and there are issues with their kids at school or a promotion they’re looking for and they don’t get it.

“All those things make it difficult. I guess we pride ourselves that once we get to the ground we can keep most of those things separate,” said Nielsen.

Australia beat India comprehensively Sunday, despite another top-order collapse of the World Champions and Nielsen feels the players have plenty to learn from their mistakes.

“We are batting poorly but at the same time it’s been credit to both the teams (India and Sri Lanka) as their bowlers have bowled very well. We’re underselling the bowling a little bit. Ishant bowled beautifully. Our blokes have done a brilliant job.”